E-Pearl of the Week

June 28, 2011

Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome

Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome is an uncommon cause of facial nerve palsy. It is a granulomatous neurocutaneous disease of unclear etiology with a possible familial component. The peripheral facial nerve palsy may be unilateral or bilateral. The characteristic clinical triad consists of facial nerve palsies, a plicated – or fissured - tongue, and orofacial edema. The diagnosis can be difficult because only 8-18% of patients present with the entire triad.